Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising education in Southeast Asia in several impressive ways. It simplifies teacher’s administrative tasks, provides data-based studying feedback, offers chatbots for students to receive 24/7 assistance, and helps with content creation. However, its most pivotal impact is providing personalised learning in education.
For too long, traditional schooling systems have focused on delivering a curriculum and expecting every course attendee to grasp all the information necessary to pass exams. Incorporating AI in education changes this book-cramming approach and instead empowers teachers and students to achieve more rounded long-term learning objectives.
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Students come from diverse backgrounds and with different resources available to them. Thus, it is vital to customise how they learn by addressing individual needs, tracking their progress, seeking out areas of improvement, and making tutoring more effective. With the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) digitalising, online education platforms have become the future of learning.
These educational technology (edtech) solutions enable learning from anywhere and offer access to many knowledge-based resources and curricula. They cater to different people’s budgets and allow students to pay for courses securely and seamlessly on the platforms. Finally, studying online offers flexibility, and learners can find support and connect with others worldwide.
Top 5 ways AI is facilitating personalised learning in Southeast Asia
- Democratising access
First, artificial intelligence, with its machine learning (ML) component, makes it easier to quickly and cost-effectively translate course materials and add them to the curriculum. Students who would have otherwise been unable to access this content can now view it and enhance their knowledge and skills.
- Tailor-made course recommendations
Students can access AI-powered edtech platforms with personalised skills-based course recommendations to find the best courses that align with their goals and needs. AI can assess the learner’s characteristics and find the ideal degree programs. Many employed people use online education to upskill and get ahead because there are no fixed class times. AI tools can identify the best courses to help enhance their careers.
- Personal coaching
Irrespective of where the student lives, GenAI can serve as a tutor by recommending study tips for those falling behind in class. It can help learners review previous courses and understand unclear concepts by summarising the content. Moreover, it can guide the student on the topics and themes to focus on when preparing for assessments and final exams.
- Conversational chatbots for debate skills
Degree students can improve their debate skills or enhance their thesis positions by engaging with AI edtech chatbots. They can bring up new ideas and challenge established dogmas. They also enable learners to provide a more concise argument.
- Making students future ready
Students using artificial intelligence can begin experiencing the future as they connect with AI-powered robots to solve problems. Since technology can potentially affect human interactions with its human-like responses, the education sector must train students to maintain their sense of community and continue bonding with other students frequently.
Challenges and opportunities moving forward for AI in education
Southeast Asia is recognising the benefits AI brings to its productivity, with more than 80% of the region in the early stages of its adoption. Even though AI can make a significant difference in ASEAN, its implementation still faces many obstacles. First, rural and urban differences in accessing technology and infrastructure limitations among the regional countries may further exacerbate digital divides.
Secondly, teachers need upskilling to ensure they can utilise the technology to benefit students from various backgrounds. Plus, the training of AI uses foreign data, and educators face challenges localising the information for their students. Third, its capabilities can play a part in helping students cheat on tests. The more learners rely on artificial intelligence tools, the more their thinking ability may be affected.
Finally, according to Gartner, AI uses a lot of electricity, and stakeholders must provide funding to ensure sustainability. The government can offer subsidies to encourage companies to develop eco-friendly tools.
According to an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report on education in Southeast Asia, one way to improve the sector is to enhance learning outcomes. Stakeholders must empower teachers to visualise data, analyse student assessment results, and take vital steps to help learners grasp information and apply it effectively.
In the future, personalised learning in education may involve matching teachers with students who can align well with their personalities. Using AI in education could be the key to identifying their traits and finding the best fit for the learners.